In response to feedback from participants at the inaugural Women in Agribusiness Summit in September 2012, HighQuest Partners has introduced a global Mentorship Program.

This program connects women who have made the commitment to help each other succeed in their professional and personal development through mentoring, networking, sharing of resources and candid discussion.

Participants first identify their desire to be a mentor or mentee, or both, by taking a brief survey to outline their goals for participating in the program.

This information is then used by HighQuest Partners to find an appropriate mentor or mentee match so that the women can begin their online and in-person, if they choose, professional and personal knowledge-sharing.

Any woman in agribusiness from around the world - from undergraduate to graduate students to professionals at any level - can join the free Mentorship Program, joining the more than 50 women who have already signed up for the program.

"This program will enable participants to identify and nurture women's potential in our industry at all levels," said Sarah E. Clark, content manager for the event from HighQuest Partners, a globally-recognized consulting, events and media company serving the ag industry.

"Additionally, the opportunity for peer-to-peer support and finding 'sounding boards' at the same level are a key benefit of this mentorship program."

The program is part of a larger goal that seeks to inspire and promote qualified women to enter and be retained in the ag industry, thereby contributing to workforce diversity and ultimately improving the competitiveness of the agribusiness for which they work.

In these continuing efforts to attract talented women to the ag field, HighQuest Partners is asking mentor companies to consider supporting Student Scholarship Sponsorships that enable students to attend the company's Women in Agribusiness events throughout the year.

During these events, time will be allotted for mentors/mentees to develop their relationships, and for those not yet involved in the program, to learn more about it.

Questions about the Mentorship Program or Student Scholarship Sponsorships can be directed to Lissa Blake at lblake@highquestpartners.com or 978.887.8800, x115.

The next Women in Agribusiness Summit, which provides women an opportunity to exchange professional and career path development strategies, foster key relationships, and encourage the next generation of women in agribusiness on a course for success, will be held October 23-25, 2013 in Minneapolis, Minn.